Contemporary hipster culture, also commonly known as hipsterism, is a subculture of young people who are perceived to be “cool” or fashionable and have adopted a particular style, often associated with the Beat Generation in the 1950s and 1960s.
The term hipster seems relatively new however it evolved from the 1940s when it first emerged.
Hipster culture encompasses a host of subcultures that share an interest in vintage clothing, music, design, fashion, and other aspects of popular culture.
This post explores everything you need to know about hipster culture.
What Is A Hipster?
A hipster is someone who has adopted a particular style, usually associated with the beat generation in the 1950s and 60s.
This can include wearing vintage clothes, listening to alternative music, using old technology, and living in a certain area.
Hipsters are typically seen as being trendy and cool. They tend to dress differently using their clothing as an expression of individuality.
In recent years, the word “hipster” has been used by many groups of people to describe themselves.
Although there is no single definition for what makes someone a hipster, most agree on some basic characteristics.
Some of these characteristics include:
People who identify as hipsters may not always wear vintage clothing, but they do like to use vintage items such as typewriters and record players.
They also enjoy listening to alternative music which was popular during the hippie movement in the 1960s.
They may live in areas where there are lots of interesting things to see and do, such as coffee shops, bars, restaurants, bookstores, museums, galleries, etc.
What Is Hipster Culture?
The word ‘hipster’ is from the early 1940s and refers to a person who is interested in modern art and jazz.
The name comes from the beat generation, a group of artists and writers who were influenced by the Harlem Renaissance and jazz musicians.
The term is now widely used to refer to anyone who dresses in a way that is considered unusual or eccentric.
As well as this, the term is sometimes used to describe those who listen to music that is considered to be alternative or underground.
There is no official definition of what exactly constitutes a hipster, however, hipster culture is considered an amalgamation of various subcultures that share similar interests.
It includes a variety of styles including punk rock, grunge, gothic, indie, emo, ska, metal, and others.
There are many types of hipsters. Some are more interested in vintage clothing while others prefer modern fashions.
Hipsters are generally considered to be trendier than other youth cultures.
The reason why they are so popular is that they are perceived as being unique, fun, and outside the realms of mainstream culture.
Hipsters are classified as individuals looking beyond the scope of mainstream culture.
Mainstream culture is classified as having a set of values and beliefs that are common within society.
For example, mainstream culture tends to value material wealth, success, conformity, and stability.
Many people consider hipsters to be part of the counterculture movement.
Counter-culture movements challenge the status quo and try to change the way society operates.
Counter-culture is classified as any movement or ideology that challenges the dominant cultural norms and values of a society.
Furthermore, counter-culture movements are often seen as rebellious and anti-establishment.
However, this isn’t necessarily true as hipsterism can be seen as both a reaction against the mainstream culture as well as its acceptance.
The 21st-century hipster is a subculture of young adults who have adopted a number of traits from previous generations.
The 21st-century hipster subculture has become increasingly popular since the 1990s.
Hipster Culture Influences
Beat Generation
The hipster culture is heavily influenced by the Beat Generation. The beat generation was a group of writers, musicians, poets, artists, and social activists.
Their main goal was to create a new type of art form.
Beat generation members were highly critical of capitalism and consumerism. They felt that it had corrupted American society.
This led them to embrace unconventional lifestyles and artistic expressions.
These influences can be found throughout the hipster culture. Although the hipster culture is very diverse, there are certain trends that have emerged over time.
Hipster fashion is becoming more popular as time goes on as is the case with most subcultural movements.
Hippie
Hipster culture is also heavily influenced by the hippie culture of the 1960s. Hippies were a loose collection of individuals who shared similar values.
These included peace, love, freedom, equality, tolerance, non-conformity, and self-expression.
Hippies believed that the world could be changed through personal transformation.
Many hippies became vegetarians, vegans, and used alternative medicines.
Hippies were known for their free-spirited lifestyle.
They avoided mainstream society and embraced a life of simplicity.
Types Of Hipster
There are many types of hipsters, each with a unique style and set of beliefs. Hipsters come in all shapes, sizes, ages, genders, and ethnicities.
There are even some hipsters who do not identify themselves as being part of any particular movement or subculture. However, some of the most common hipster types include;
Pre-2000s Old School Hipsters
Old school hipsters of the pre-2000s era tend to dress older than their actual age. They often wear retro styles such as bell bottoms, plaid shirts, varsity jackets, and polka dot dresses.
Post-2000s Green Hipsters
Green hipsters are characterized by their interest in environmental issues.
They tend to wear clothes made from organic materials such as hemp, bamboo, cotton, wool, linen, silk, and leather.
They are also concerned about animal rights and the environment.
Furthermore, they typically avoid fast food and consume only natural foods.
Likewise, they may also use eco-friendly products like solar panels, wind turbines, and bicycles.
Final Considerations
Overall, the hipster culture has been around for quite some time. Since the 1940s it has evolved into a global phenomenon.
In conclusion, the hipster culture is an interesting topic that is worth exploring further.